Iowa is Showing Explosive Growth in the Esports Scene

In the past few years, the world of competitive gaming has exploded onto the high school and collegiate scene. It's great to see that Iowa is even leading the charge with esports programs flourishing across the state. For those that don't know Esports refers to competitive video gaming, which has rapidly gained recognition as a legitimate activity for schools. In fact, an increasing number of Iowa high schools and colleges offering structured programs and leagues for students. Whether it’s your school’s favorite Madden or Overwatch 2 team, or your family Fortnite night squad (shoutout to the Ehlers kids), Iowa’s esports scene is leveling up and becoming a legitimate means of furthering connections, education, and careers!

The Surge of High School Esports in Iowa

Esports isn’t just for the college-bound gamer anymore. Over 8,600 high schools in the United States have launched esports teams, and Iowa has been one of the frontrunners in the expansion of these programs. From state-sanctioned leagues to casual gaming clubs, Iowa’s high schools are tapping into the potential for team-building, strategic thinking, and critical problem-solving that esports can offer.

Let’s take Iowa Valley High School as an example. Coach Ashton Linnell kicked things off in 2023 after attending the Iowa Technology and Education Connection Conference. The enthusiasm was contagious, and before long, the school had its first esports team up and running, competing in games like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and Rocket League. This is the kind of growth that is happening everywhere in the state, and it’s creating an environment where students from all backgrounds can come together to play, learn, and grow.

Speaking of growth, Iowa has its very own esports governing body, the Iowa High School Esports Association (IAHSEA), founded in 2019. The IAHSEA has done wonders in organizing and facilitating the growth of esports, allowing schools to compete in structured tournaments, fostering student engagement, and even making scholarships available for those passionate about gaming.

Get our free mobile app

Dubuque’s Esports League: What’s Going Down in DBQ?

Dubuque’s own esports scene is a testament to the growing popularity of competitive gaming in Iowa. Senior High School’s OW2 Varsity Esports Team has recently made waves by reaching the playoffs, and they’re getting ready to take on Spirit Lake in a match that could catapult them into the State Finals. This team has become a beacon of success, proving that DBQ has a serious place on the map for high school esports.

But it’s not just about the students at Senior High School. Dubuque’s entire esports league is playing a critical role in the city’s competitive gaming scene, drawing players from all over the area to compete in various tournaments and events. They even offer an opportunity for middle schoolers to compete and get their first taste of the gaming community.

Of course, it's not all gaming. The latest initiative coming to Dubuque is the Iowa Fraud Fighters Seminars — a series of educational events aimed at tackling the dark side of the digital world. These seminars are set for March 4th and April 29th from 4 to 6 PM, where adults can learn about how to navigate the dangers of online scams, and how to stay safe in an increasingly digital age. It’s an excellent resource for the community.

And let’s be real — when was the last time you had a serious conversation about your online usage and your lack of safety? These seminars might just be the perfect way to keep your online activities efficient and safe, especially if you're out of the technology loop, so to speak.

Esports Beyond the High School Arena

While high school esports is thriving, Iowa’s college scene is also making a name for itself. The Iowa State Gaming & Esports Club has over 2,000 members on their Discord server, making it one of the largest clubs on campus. What’s the secret sauce behind its success? Competition at all levels. With games like Valorant, Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Overwatch, the club provides students with opportunities to try out for competitive teams that face off against schools across the nation.

For those who aren’t looking to go full-throttle competitive, the club also has a more laid-back environment for casual gamers to join in the fun. Whether you’re a casual Apex Legends player or a Super Smash Bros. pro, there’s a place for you. But don’t think that the competitive scene is just about pushing buttons — teams train just like any other sport, with coaches helping players develop their strategic thinking and team dynamics.

Iowa colleges are also helping the esports ecosystem grow by offering scholarships to top players, allowing passionate gamers the chance to pursue their love of gaming on a professional level. Some players, like Zach Harvey, who plays Overwatch for NTMR, have already made significant earnings in the competitive scene, bringing home over $16,000 in prize money. These success stories only encourage younger players to dream big and get involved.

The Family Connection: A Personal Touch

Let me be the first to say that gaming isn’t just a solitary hobby — it can be a rewarding bonding experience too. As a parent, I can relate to the way esports can bring families together and insert some healthy rivalry. Last night, I jumped into a game of Fortnite with all three of my kids. We teamed up and took down some opponents, all while laughing and shouting at each other on our way to a second-place finish in 4 player squads. Whether it’s working together in Fortnite or going for 1st in Mario Kart 8, I enjoy time gaming with my kids.

There's no need to be a pro-either. Just like you wouldn’t expect to be an NBA pro after one pick-up game, you don’t need to win every match to enjoy the time spent with your kids. That being said, it also a good opportunity to chat about how to enjoy games for what they are... Games. Have fun and try not to take it to seriously when it's a night on the couch at home.

The bottom line is simple; esports is here to stay. So, whether you’re competing on the virtual battlefield for glory and cash, or just enjoying a quick game with family, esports can provide an avenue for connection, growth, and fun across Iowa and the U.S. As high schools, colleges, and local communities embrace this new era, there’s no sign of it slowing down.

From my own personal experience to the growing esports programs across our great state of Iowa, we’re witnessing an explosion of gaming that is fairly accessible to all, and that's pretty neat. Stay sharp, and remember, as any gamer knows, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take — so grab your controller, boot up that PC or gaming console, and jump into Iowa’s booming esports scene. I'll see you there, along with my kids.